Saturday 11 November 2017 05:40, UK
Theunis de Bruyn and David Miller smashed unbeaten half centuries in a record third-wicket partnership of 142 as the Knights cruised to an eight-wicket victory over the Warriors in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge opener at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth.
The Warriors posted 153-9 from their 20 overs, largely thanks to Christiaan Jonker's 61 from 38 balls but excellent bowling displays from Shadley van Schalkwyk (3-25), Marchant de Lange (2-25) and Eddie Leie (2-16) kept the hosts to a below par score.
The Knights struggled early on in their reply, falling to 15-2 with Andrew Birch bowling Thabang Mokoena (9) and Basheeru-Deen Walters trapping Patrick Kruger (2) in front.
However, De Bruyn and Miller, fresh from hitting fastest T20I century from just 35 deliveries against Bangladesh a couple of weeks ago, put their side back on course with a 142-run partnership off just 90 balls - the highest ever for the third wicket for the Knights, beating the 120 between Dean Elgar and Pite van Biljon against the Titans four seasons ago.
De Bruyn smashed six sixes in his 78 not out off 48 balls, while Miller hit three of his own, finishing 62 not out off 47 balls as the visitors secured a comfortable victory with two overs to spare.
The Ram Slam T20 challenge continues on Sunday with a double header live on Sky Sports Cricket as the Cobras face the Dolphins at SuperSport Park and the Titans take on the Lions at The Wanderers.
Hashim Amla, Vernan Philander, JP Duminy could all be involved for the Cobras, while AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn, Quinton de Kock and Morne Morkel may feature for the Titans.
They will come up against South Africa team-mate Kagiso Rabada, who plays for the Lions.
Watch Cobras v Dolphins and Titans v Lions live on Sky Sports Cricket this Sunday from 9.55am.
